We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair;persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. - ﻿2 Corinthians 4:8-10﻿

﻿I feel a great sense of urgency this week, like never before, to write about this: I have a heavy heart for the persecuted church in Syria, Iraq, North Korea and China. In these last days there has been an increase in Christians who are speaking out the truth of the cross who are being persecuted. They are being sought after, tortured, and martyred. In the U.S. we don't live the day to day realities that the other side of the world is living. This is why I believe it is our calling to pray for all those suffering in His Name.

Can I please call on the church this week to be in devoted, heartfelt, on-our-knees prayer for our brothers and sisters in Christ? Christ's return draws near. Let us kneel before His throne of grace and plead for mercy on those who don't believe, for those suffering for His Name's sake, for those committing these atrocities, especially the members of ISIS. I call on the church to pray collectively. Let us send up incense prayers to our Father who loves us and desires our undivided attention. With undivided hearts let us come together and enter His presence with confidence as we plead to our Father in heaven.

Ways you can pray for...(Select one country to pray for this week or one country to pray for each day)

SYRIAFrom the Voice of the Martyrs:In light of the kidnapping of dozens of Christians yesterday in Syria, we received an email from a Syrian Christian leader giving specific ways to pray. Will you join our Syrian brothers and sisters in lifting up the requests he shared?1. Pray the Lord will encourage Christians in Syria so they can be a living testimony, in the midst of war, to others around them. 2. Pray for God's protection of the Christian community in Syria.3. Pray young Christian men will turn to God and put their hope in Jesus.4. Pray for children and women who are being taken hostage by IS.5. Finally, pray for peace in Syria.